FIFA monitors Botswana on constituency tournaments

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Friday September 24, 2010 00:00

 

 A FIFA information officer told Mmegi Sport through e-mail that though they have been informed by the Botswana Football Association (BFA) that the constituency tournaments are not a problem, they cannot predict what will happen in future. 

'FIFA is aware of the existence of the constituency leagues and had been informed by concerned football stakeholders. We have raised the issue with the Botswana Football Association and its president has replied in writing that the constituency league was not causing any problem or friction. Please understand that we cannot speculate on what could happen in the future. However, as mentioned in our earlier email, FIFA is monitoring the situation,' the FIFA officer said.

He stated that one of FIFA's duties, according to its statutes, is to ensure the independence of member associations from external interference and to ensure that the football family in each country can have the best possible conditions to develop the game. He said that that is why FIFA  directly monitors the situation in each member association, which includes regular visits. 'That said; it is also important to note that FIFA considers the relationship between national associations and public authorities as a partnership which is beneficial to all.

Cooperation and understanding between all parties is in the best interests of all,' he explained.   There have been claims fuelled by the BFA that FIFA is about to suspend Botswana because the constituency tournaments are tantamount to government interference in football matters.

The claims have since been proved to be false by the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Shaw Kgathi. BFA have written an apology to the ministry for misleading the nation on the matter.